Media Release

New Data Digests presented at State Library Board meeting

PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota State Library Board got the first official look today at this year's school and public library Data Digests.

"The digests include vital information about the services being provided at libraries across the state," said Interim State Librarian Daria Bossman. â€œThe State Library collects the data through various surveys and compiles it in one location to highlight the significant roles that libraries play in their communities."

Survey response rates were outstanding this year, and Bossman said that indicates library personnel see the value of the information in the digests. One-hundred percent of school libraries and 98 percent of the stateâ€™s 112 public community libraries responded.

This is the third year that the State Library has compiled a data digest that is specific to school libraries. On an average day, school libraries circulate 33,853 items, host 1,150 class groups and welcome 35,609 students independently.

Superintendents, principals and school librarians can access their specific statistics online and see how their school libraries compare to others in the state. Please contact the State Library's school coordinators, 1-800-423-6665 for more information.

The State Library has compiled and published the Public Library Data Digest for the past five years. However, the State Library is required to submit these statistics to the Institute of Museum and Library Services every year and has been doing so for several decades. National databases and comparison tools are also freely available on the IMLS website at harvester.census.gov.

South Dakotans collectively checked out an average of 17,149 items a day in 2011 at those libraries. Public librarians also answered 1,157 reference questions and assisted 3,213 online users in an average day.

The South Dakota school and public library Data Digests are available online at library.sd.gov. Look for the Publications link.